Question

A 63-year-old woman with a history of poorly controlled hypertension presents with thunderclap headache and neck stiffness. CT head confirms subarachnoid haemorrhage. Which blood pressure strategy is most appropriate before neurosurgical intervention?

Accepted Answer

Target systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg using IV antihypertensives

Answer

Allow systolic blood pressure to rise to 200 mm Hg

Answer

Aim for systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg

Answer

No blood pressure management is needed before surgery

Answer

Use high-dose sublingual nitrates only

Practice question

A 63-year-old woman with a history of poorly controlled hypertension presents with thunderclap headache and neck stiffness. CT head confirms subarachnoid haemorrhage. Which blood pressure strategy is most appropriate before neurosurgical intervention?